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Collection Development Policy

     Recommend that the library purchase an item

Collection Development Policy of the Attleboro Public Library

Attleboro Public Library’s Collection Development Policy (revised Nov. ’22; signed Feb. ’23)

PREAMBLE

The goals of library collection development evolve from the goals and purpose of the library itself: the free informal continuing education of the people; the dissemination and advancement of knowledge; and the provision of recreational and inspirational reading.

The act of selection should be implemented by the regular consultation of reliable sources of reviews.

The “Library Bill of Rights,” as adopted by the Council of the American Library Association, June of 1948, and amended in 1961, 1967, and 1980, is officially adopted as part of this statement, as is the “Freedom to Read,” a statement of the American Library Association and the American Book Publishers Council.

The Library purchases materials in formats, both print and non-print, that best meet the needs of our patrons for access to diverse materials.

ADULT AND YOUNG ADULT

Guidelines for Selection:

  1. Provide as wide a selection as practical, with regard to subject matter, and specialize when local interest dictates a demand.
  2. Provide materials of varying complexity to accommodate the wide range of ages, interests, and reading levels of patrons.
  3. Be guided by a sense of responsibility to both present and anticipated needs, in adding materials which will enrich the collection and maintain an overall balance.
  4. Selection and retention of materials should be guided by respect for the past and cultural traditions.
  5. Acquire materials pertaining to new knowledge in as great quantity and variety as possible without omitting items otherwise essential to the collection.  The inclusion of a title in a “Best Sellers” list does not automatically require its purchase.
  6. Develop and maintain a high level of enjoyment of good reading for patrons.
  7. Provide multiple copies of a title for which there is obvious demand within reason.
  8. Acquire specialized works to the extent that they are needed by the community.
  9. The Library reserves the right to determine the best use of all gifted materials and retain or dispose of them as deemed appropriate.
  10. Apply the selection policy also to the removal of items which are no longer needed, and to those items which should be replaced.
  11. Represent all opinions and provide accurate information on topics of current interest and concern.
  12. Responsibility for selection lies with the Library Director.
  13. Objections to materials owned by the Attleboro Public Library (APL) should be made in writing, using the “Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials” form found on the Library website or at the Circulation Desk. The Library’s written reply will be made in a timely manner.
  14. It is not the responsibility of the Library to supply required textbooks or other specialized curriculum materials or to provide multiple copies.  Textbooks may be added to the Library’s collection if they are considered the best available material on a given subject.
  15. Where appropriate, the purchasing decisions of the library will be guided by the collection development goals of libraries cooperating with APL.

JUVENILE

Guidelines for Selection, in addition to those above.

  1. Titles already in the adult collection may be duplicated here because of overlapping interest and reading ability.
  2. The APL will not be responsible for monitoring or approving materials selected by children of any age. Responsibility of materials selection rests with parents or legal guardians.
  3. The Attleboro Public Library maintains a high standard in selecting materials for children in all subject areas.